almoner

[ al-muh-ner, ah-muh- ]

noun

1. a person whose function or duty is the distribution of alms on behalf of an institution, a royal personage, a monastery, etc.
2. British.
   1. a hospital official who determines the amount due for a patient's treatment.
   2. a social worker in a hospital.

almoner

/ ˈɑːmənə /

noun

1. obsolete.
   a trained hospital social worker responsible for the welfare of patients
2. (formerly) a person who distributes alms or charity on behalf of a household or institution

Other Words From

• sub·almon·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of almoner¹

1250–1300; Middle English almoiner, aumoner (with insertion of l under influence of alms ) < Old French aumon ( i ) er ≪ Late Latin eleēmosynārius eleemosynary

Word History and Origins

Origin of almoner¹

C13: from Old French almosnier, from almosne alms, from Vulgar Latin alemosina (unattested), from Late Latin eleēmosyna; see alms

Example Sentences

The momentous secret soon found its way to the Spanish queen's almoner, and finally to the queen herself.

From Project Gutenberg

He is made the great Almoner of heaven, and he disposes of his gifts to the children of earth.

From Project Gutenberg

Thora at least will remain with us, and we will make Johannes Rode our almoner and court poet.

From Project Gutenberg

The almoner told us he gave two instructions to the upper, and two to the lower classes, every week.

From Project Gutenberg

“I marvel, my child, that you should employ as your almoner and cottage visitor a person of whom we know so little,” said he.

From Project Gutenberg